Question Was Asked By - Roger B

Towing a FIfth Wheel with a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500HD Short Bed

Question:

Help! I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500HDshort bed. I want to be able to use my bed when not pulling my 5th wheel. First I was told I needed a Valley slider but the rails stay in the bed. Now Leonards is trying to sell me a B&W turnover ball/5th wheel system that sounds GREAT but Im not so sure it has the slider needed for a short bed. Your help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Roger B

Expert Reply:

One method of keeping your truck bed fully accessible while allowing proper clearance between the front of the trailer and the rear of the cab would be to use a Reese Signature Series Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch. The Reese Signature Series, part number 30085, and its 'Power Puck' mounting system, part 30061, has the unique feature of having the mounting rails located under the truck bed. This would allow full use of the truck bed, without having the mounting rails obstructing anything. A better option would be to use the standard, non sliding Signature Series Hitch, part 30058 in conjunction with a Sidewinder. The Sidewinder will relocate the pivot point between the trailer and hitch from the hitch itself to the trailer's pin box. This can move the pivot point rearward between 20 to 22 inches, which will increase the likelihood of being able to negotiate 90 degree turns without the front of the trailer striking the rear of the cab. The Sidewinder is pin box specific, to choose the correct model to fit your trailer, you will need the model number and manufacturer of your trailer's pin box.

expert reply by: Mike L

Products Referenced in This Question

Signature Series Fifth Wheel Hitch Installation Kit by Draw-Tite and Reese